Dear UNLV Colleagues,

In the wake of December 6, 2023, and the tragic loss of three beloved UNLV faculty members, we have witnessed the strength, compassion, and unity that define UNLV.

As part of our ongoing commitment to healing and remembrance, we are working to create the UNLV Healing Garden and December 6 Memorial — a dedicated space that will honor those we lost, recognize the courage of first responders, and offer a place where the UNLV community can gather, reflect, and continue to support one another. This is the next step in our healing journey and a worthy tribute to Dr. Jerry Cha-Jan Chang, Dr. Patricia Navarro Velez, and Dr. Naoko Takemaru—and to Dr. Bot Rith, who was critically injured and survived. 

The Healing Garden will be made possible through the generosity and care of our community. I will be supporting this effort personally, and I invite anyone who is able to join me in making a voluntary contribution to support the construction of this vitally important memorial and garden. Gifts of any size will help bring this meaningful space to fruition and ensure it stands as a lasting symbol of remembrance, compassion, and solidarity. Donations to the fund will support the creation of the garden itself, from its landscaping and design elements to the features that will tell the stories of those we honor.

There is, of course, no expectation to give. Each of us contributes to our community in different ways. But for those who feel moved to take part in this act of remembrance, your philanthropic support will help us create a space of reflection, connection, and hope. 

I want to thank the Faculty Senate December 6 Memorial Committee for their work designing such a beautiful and fitting space for our campus community. Using their vision, this is something we will build together, and it will belong to all of us.

Thank you for all that you do for our students, for one another, and for the UNLV community.

Warm wishes,

Chris Heavey
UNLV Interim President